Food Network - Do You Watch?

by Catherine Ipcizade | More from this Blogger

23 Jun 2006 04:13 PM

Before I got married, I couldn't cook-seriously. I lived in a dorm room while attending college, and my culinary endeavors didn't progress beyond tuna salad sandwiches and the occasional non-homemade spaghetti. Let's suffice it to say, I ate a lot of Ramen noodles while in college...and frozen burritos...and deli sandwiches. My waist hated me by the end of my first year.

When I got married, I had just started substitute teaching. Three months later I was pregnant. Four months after that, I was on bed rest for pre-eclampsia. I started watching The Food Network. Let me tell you, if you watch it consistently, it's equivalent to a culinary school education. I learned spicy cooking with Emeril, southern cooking with Paula, Italian cooking with Giada, and most off all, delectable cooking with Ina.

My husband will attest to the fact that The Food Network was a wonderful attribute to our marriage. He got the lucky task of taste-testing my new concoctions. Some of the foods I cooked were delicious. Others were good, while still others were-well, let's just say we had to call out for pizza a few times.

Now I love cooking. I enter cooking contests when I can and try new recipes when time allows. Before I would have been afraid to try ethnic foods, or complicated recipes. But after watching The Food Network, and seeing the hosts use different ingredients and preparation techniques, suddenly it didn't seem so scary. I watch Barefoot Contessa whenever I can, and sneak in other shows as time allows.

If you're a new cook, just starting out, an apprehensive cook who doesn't yet know how to make mashed potatoes, or a seasoned cook looking to build your repertoire, give cooking shows a chance. With all the shows on TV today, you're bound to find one you like. And trust me, your family will be glad you did.

Learn more about Catherine Ipcizade

Cathy Ipcizade is 30 years old and currently resides in Southern California. Prior to coming to California she grew up in Arizona.

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Libby Pelham (12880) 24 Jun 2006 08:55 AM

I love watching the Food Network. I just hate that Ming Tsai isn't on there anymore :-( I know he's on some other network, but we don't get that channel on cable.

Catherine Ipcizade (5617) 24 Jun 2006 05:35 PM

I love it too! It's how I learned about cooking contests too. Have you entered any? My best friend went to the Pillsbury Bake-Off this year! I entered the Southern Living contest this year and am planning on entering the Annual Chicken Competition too. Grand prize is $100,000 for both. Fingers crossed. SOMEBODY'S gotta win--right? :-)

TheFamilyCEO (41) 29 Jun 2006 02:56 PM

I love the food network! I described it once to a friend as a "free cooking class." I've learned so much from it. I also find it very relaxing.

Catherine Ipcizade (5617) 29 Jun 2006 03:20 PM

I agree, Julie. I love it! I'd still be making macaroni and cheese (boxed) every night if I hadn't "found" it!!! Heheheheh

BellevueMama (21) 07 Jul 2007 09:26 AM

We homeschool and The Food Network is a staple around here! It gives the kids some cooking ideas that don't come from mom, and gives me inspirational ieas to try new things. We LOVE the educational aspects of The Alton Brown (and met him on one occassion). I have to say though, I'm not a big fan of Emeril...Sorry!!!